Every team in the world has their own ‘one that got away’, from Raul at Atletico Madrid to Ryan Giggs at Manchester City, Michael Essien’s close shave at Burnley and Arsenal’s aborted Zlatan Ibrahimovic trial.

And Craig Halkett could prove to be the one Rangers regret letting go.

Few batted an eyelash when the young defender was released in January 2016 without ever making an appearance for the Gers. Three years on, however, he has proved himself as one of Scotland’s most exciting young defenders, helping Livingston to successive promotions before standing out in the top flight.

According to the Express (21 February, page 52), Halkett could be on his way to one of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership rivals on a pre-contract agreement with just four months remaining until he becomes a free agent.

It is understood that Hearts, Hibernian and Aberdeen all want to snap up the 23-year-old. But considering that Joe Worrall is only on loan at Ibrox and Gareth McAuley arrived on a one-year deal last summer, there is room at Ibrox for another centre-back and Rangers should be chomping at the bit to stop Halkett strengthening one of their top flight neighbours.

“It is flattering, of course. I’ve got pals who are Rangers fans asking me if it’s true but I have to tell them I’ve not paid it any notice,” Halkett told the Sunday Post in December when asked about a potential return to Ibrox.

Danny Owen

Daniel is a Journalist graduate from Leeds Trinity University and is generally obsessed with everything football related. Daniel watches everything from Augsburg in the Bundesliga to Vitesse in the Eredivisie with as much La Liga as possible thrown in for good measure.